- Manchester United striker on the move?
- Who is coming in for Joshua Zirkzee
- His United career through a lens
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee could be edging towards the exit, with a number of clubs circling the Dutchman ahead of the summer window. The past 21 months have been far from straightforward for Zirkzee.
The early signs, in truth, felt encouraging. An 87th-minute winner against Fulham on debut—arriving off the bench—offered a euphoric introduction, the kind that hints at narrative and momentum. Yet, as the weeks turned into months, that promise gradually gave way to uncertainty.
What came next was a prolonged drought, punctuated by a particularly stark moment on 30 December 2024, when United fell 2-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee was hooked in the 33rd minute and met with boos from the crowd. Now, the Dutchman may be ready to depart United, with the striker having little impact on the club.
Zirkzee Offered Italy Return
After joining Bologna for £36.5m on 14 July, 2024, it seems that Zirkzee could be finding his way back to Italy with AC Milan reportedly interested in the 24-year-old.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri nearly signed him in 2024—when United attained his signature—but the €40m (approx £34.6m) was pushing the limits for Milan.
Coupled with the substantial demands of his agent, Kia Joorabchian, Milan ultimately withdrew from the race, leaving United clear to complete the deal. But, as we now know, his time at Old Trafford has not unfolded as hoped.
Despite stating in December that he wanted to stay and fight for his place, he has not been afforded many opportunities under Michael Carrick.
Across six matches, Zirkzee has played just 33 minutes, coming off the bench in each appearance. In fact, across the entire season, he has been handed just four starts and a total of 551 minutes.
Compared to last season—where he started 24 matches and accumulated 2,256 minutes—you can see just how quickly he has fallen down the pecking order.
Zirkzee Away
Ultimately, Zirkzee’s future may come down to a simple choice: fight for his place, or move elsewhere in search of guaranteed minutes.
With limited game time in recent months, it seems highly unlikely he will be on the plane with the Netherlands to North America for the World Cup.
And yet, while he has not impressed consistently, there have been flashes of genuine quality.
The most striking example came in the FA Cup against Arsenal, where a mazy dribble saw him nutmeg William Saliba before leaving the defender on the floor—a moment that captured his raw ability.
United, too, must weigh their options.
They need a reliable backup striker for Benjamin Sesko. While Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both operated centrally at times, neither offers the profile of a traditional number nine.
Zirkzee, notably, does not fully fit that mould either, often describing himself more as a “9.5” than an out-and-out striker.
Still, a sale could generate much-needed funds as United prepare for a significant summer rebuild, with the club looking to strengthen the core of the squad.
